Denson's Quail Farm

About Northern Bobwhite Quail

Northern Bobwhite

Scientific name: Colinus virginianus

The genus comes from the Spanish word colin, which was derived from a Central American word, zolin (a partridge). The species name is from Modern Latin meaning "from Virginia."

Sometimes referred to as "the prince of game birds" and also "gentleman bob", the Bobwhite quail has worked its way into the hearts of sportsmen throughout the United States. It is a gamebird of the highest caliber, and has created a sport in itself.

Identification:

The male Northern Bobwhite Quail have white chins and upper throats with a white stripe that extends from the bill through the eye to the back of the head. Females have tan instead of white coloration on the throat, chin and eyestrip.

Feeding Habits:

Quail generally feed twice a day, in early morning and mid to late afternoon. Bobwhites are primarily seedeaters. Corn and soybeans are the major portion of the diet in fall, winter and spring. Insects are an important food item for adult females during the reproductive period because of the high protein demands of egg laying. Young quail also feed very heavily on insects, gradually shifting to seeds as they near adult size.

Breeding Season:

The wild quail breeding season begins in mid-April, peaks in May and June, and extends into September. Found in the grass, the nest is a depression lined with fine grass. The female usually lays 12-16 eggs (range, 6-28). Both adults incubate the eggs for 23-24 days, and care for the young for 6-7 days after they hatch. The young birds are able to capture food themselves after roughly 7 days. The family group stays together with the covey.

The Northern Bobwhite uses brushy habitat that includes pine, hedgerows and shrub.

Northern Bobwhite Quail - Female

Northern Bobwhite Quail - Male

Northern Bobwhite Quail - Chick